Substance Abuse

Every year, thousands of people in San Diego struggle with abuse of and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Of this massive group, only about 10% to 15% actually get the treatment they need.* Also, many don’t understand that treatment doesn’t end when someone gets clean and sober. All sobriety or, in some cases controlled use, do is “clear the field” and set the stage for the deeper work of therapy: understanding what leads us to drink or use in order to feel better about ourselves or perhaps to not feel at all. If we can’t understand and address the fears, anxieties, grief and/or anger that lead us into addiction, how can we hope to avoid ending up right back in it?

Often, addictions have their roots in the individual’s struggles with self-esteem, family issues, stress. We drink or use to avoid the difficult feelings around these issues; however, when we stop drinking or using, the feelings are still there. Therapy is an ideal way to attack the root causes of our struggles so they don’t cause further problems. It will not change the past, but therapy helps clients reach a place of peace with those things that hurt us, frightened us or caused us grief.

I’ve spent most of my career working with clients who struggle with alcohol and/or drug use. I understand the process and know how to help.